West Yellowstone, MT - Montana Department of Livestock agents shot and killed four bull bison at 11:00 this morning near mile marker 1 on highway 287, approximately 22 miles from Yellowstone's western boundary. The bison appeared to be on their way to the Madison Valley. No attempt was ever made to haze the animals or transport them back to Yellowstone National Park.

Buffalo Field Campaign patrols documented the shooting with video and still cameras.

"The Madison Valley, with its open expanses of accessible grasses, is a perfect place for bison," said Dan Brister of the bison advocacy group the Buffalo Field Campaign. "These bulls were nowhere near domestic cattle and bulls pose no risk of transmitting brucellosis to livestock."

"Bison need access to protected winter and spring habitat in Montana," added Brister. "It's a shame that we still haven't learned to share the land with our fellow species."

942 buffalo have been killed during the 2005-2006 winter under management actions carried out by the Montana Department of Livestock (49) the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks (40), and the National Park Service (853). 3400 bison have been killed by the agencies in the past ten years.

The Buffalo Field Campaign is the only group working in the field, every day, to stop the slaughter of the wild Yellowstone buffalo. Volunteers defend the buffalo and their native habitat and advocate for their lasting protection. For more information visit: http://www.buffalofieldcampaign.org

Top of Page